Flexible comb with integral latch for securing a pony tail or similar hairdo



Oct. 5, 1965 A. (5000mm! 3,209,767

FLEXIBLE COMB WITH INTEGRAL LATCH FOR SECURING A PONY TAIL OR SIMILAR HAIRDO Original Filed June 2 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. ABRAHAM GOODMAN ATTORNEY A. GOODMAN 3,209,767 TH INTEGRAL LATCH FOR SECURING Oct. 5, 1965 FLEXIBLE COMB WI A PONY TAIL OR SIMILAR HAIRDO 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Original Filed June 2,

ATTORNEY INVENTOR.

NN bu NW A. GOODMAN 3,209,767 FLEXIBLE COMB WITH INTEGRAL LATCH FOR SECURING Oct. 5, 1965 A PONY TAIL OR SIMILAR HAIRDO 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Original Filed June 2,

INVENTOR ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,209,767 FLEXEBLE CG WlTH lNTlEGRAL LATQH FQR SECURlNG A PGNY TAIL 0R SIMILAR HAlRDO Abraham Goodman, New York, N.Y., assignor to Delamere Company, lino, New York, N.Y., a corporation of Delaware Original application June 2, 1958, Ser. No. 739,204, new Patent No. 3,066,684, dated Dec. 4, 1962. Divided and this application Early 27, 1962, Ser. No. 212,792

7 Claims. (Cl. 132-416) This is a division of application Serial No. 739,204, filed June 2, 1958 and now Patent No. 3,066,684.

This invention relates to combs and is particularly directed to combs which are so constructed that the teeth and head thereof are relatively flexible and may be wrapped around a relatively large cluster or grouping of hair, which is known as a pony tail, or other type of hair cluster which the wearer desires to retain in a controlled position.

This type of comb is utilized as a retaning comb for gripping a substantially cylindrical cluster of hair which is collected at the rear of the female head and which is popularly known as a pony tail, the hair projecting outward from the head in a direction substantially perpendicular to the scalp.

While known popularly as a pony tail, this type of hair cluster is actually strikingly like the tail of a show horse or pony, which is cut to a relatively short length, and is held so that it projects angularly outward.

Due to wide variations in the texture of the human hair, and the variations in individual taste, which controls the number of hairs included in a pony tail, the actual circumference of the hair cluster, at or near the juncture with the head, varies considerably, and will even vary to some extent with the individual wearer from day to day.

The gripping and retention of a large cluster of relatively short hair of this type and its retention in its proper position relative to the head has presented quite a problem to the wearer, due to the peculiar nature and size of the hair arrangement, and its relation to the scalp.

Elastic bands of various types, and combinations of elastic bands or narrow elastic webbing, and small combs or barrettes have been used to some extent, either with or without a ribbon tied around the hair.

These have been relatively unsatisfactory as the mounting of an elastic band or other elastic holder on a cluster or bunch of hair of this type, is relatively diificult and frequently requires the assistance of another person in applying them to the hair.

Applicant provides a flexible comb, which may readily be wrapped around the hair cluster or pony tail, the teeth of the comb, which are highly flexible, being inserted into the outer layers of the hair, so that the comb is positively gripped by the hair, a latching socket being provided so that after the comb teeth are inserted in the hair, the comb is positively latched and will retain its contour and the shape of the pony tail over a prolonged period, and permit free movement of the head without disturbing or dislodging the comb, or releasing the hair.

A primary feature of applicants comb is that it is readily adjustable in length over a relatively wide range, so that it will grip a grouping or bunch of hair or pony tail ranging considerably in perimeter, the flexibility of the teeth of the comb and the head thereof uniformly grip ping the hair over its entire circumference or perimeter after the comb is latched.

Another feature of the invention is that the comb, once latched, will be held in its latched position without extraneous retaining means, or additional holding devices of any type.

329,767 Patented (lot. 5, 1965 Another feature of the comb construction is that the comb can be applied by the individual without assistance, the clamping length adjusted, and the entire unit positioned in the hair easily and without excessive adjustment, even though the perimeter of the hair arrangement may be varied considerably.

Another feature of the comb construction is that the form and contour of the comb, in its entirety, and the individual sections of the head and teeth thereof are such as to enhance the appearance of the hair considerably over that with the devices previously utilized.

Another feature of the flexible comb is that the fiexural construction of the teeth and head are such, that once an individual tooth is inserted in the latching socket, it is positively gripped thereby and will therefore not be dislodged or substantially displaced until it is released and removed by the wearer.

The gripping feature of the flexible teeth is such that the comb is held tightly and accurately in its adjusted position, whether latched at its maximum length, using an end tooth as a latching element, or when any of the intermediate teeth near the end tooth are used for latching, thereby varying the length of the comb, and the circumference or perimeter of the pony tail which it will grip.

The flexible comb is made in one piece, of a plastic material, the contour of the individual teeth and the head sections thereof being such that the comb will withstand bending through relatively sharp angles, and dropping, without permanently distorting the comb or the teeth thereof.

Another feature of the comb construction is that the latching element is integral with the comb, small and accurately fitted to the latching teeth, so that the latched portion of the comb is relatively unobstrusive, and so constructed that it will not distort or injure the hair to which it is attached, or the scalp of the wearer, in any manner.

A primary feature of the comb construction is that the latching socket is molded, or otherwise formed integral with the comb tooth and head structure, so that it willretain its adjustment and its relation to the balance of the comb over sustained periods.

Another advantage of the latching means employed, is that the comb will retain its shape and flexibility over a sustained period, regardless of the position in which the comb is latched, and regardless of the variations in the latching teeth employed, or the length of the perimeter of the grouping of hair gripped.

Another feature of the comb construction is that the contour of the inner or gripping surface of the comb in the latched position may be circular, oval, or of other desired contour, the flexibility of the comb structure allowing the teeth and head sections to resume their initial form after the comb is removed from the hair and unlatched.

Various modifications of the comb construction are provided to suit individual tastes, and latching conditions, the essential features of the flexible comb construction and the latching socket provided therewith remaining substantially the same.

While primarily directed to the purpose hereinbefore described, the flexibility of the teeth and head of the comb are such that the comb can also be utilized for other purposes in which a comb having a high degree of flexibility is required, even though it is not formed into a closed loop and latched, the latching socket being small so that it will not interfere with other uses of the comb.

The accompanying drawings, illustrative of one embodiment of the invention, and several modifications thereof, together with the description of their construction and the method of fitting, mounting and utilization thereof, will Serve to clarify further objects and advantages of the invention.

In the drawings:

FIGURE 1 represents a front elevational view of one embodiment of the flexible comb construction, fitted with one type of latching socket for gripping one of the teeth of the comb, located adjacent the end opposite the socket.

FIGURE 2 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the flexible comb construction shown in FIGURE 1, with the end of the comb wrapped around through a circular arc simulating wrapping around a pony tail, one of the intermediate teeth of the comb being fitted through the latching socket to retain the comb in the latched position.

FIGURE 3 is an enlarged front elevational view of the teeth at one end of the comb, and the latching socket of the comb shown in FIGURE 1, showing the relation between the latching socket and the adjacent end teeth of the comb.

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged plan view of the right-hand end teeth of the flexible comb shown in FIGURE 1, showing the relation between the latching socket, which serves as a latch, and the substantially vertical legs of the teeth, located at and adjacent the right-hand end of the comb.

FIGURE 5 is an enlarged right-hand side elevational view of the end teeth of the comb shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, showing the relation between the looped latching socket and the adjacent end teeth of the comb.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged front elevational view, similar to FIGURE 3, of the right-hand end teeth of a modification of the flexible comb shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, showing the inner vertical leg of the right-hand end tooth extended upward to the flexible head section of the comb, and a modification of the looped latching socket shown in FIGURES 1 and 3.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged crosssection through the substantially vertical legs of the right-hand end teeth of the modified flexible comb, shown in FIGURE 6, showing the relation between the modified looped latching socket of the comb and the extended vertical leg of the end teeth, the section being taken on the line 77, FIG- URE 6.

FIGURE 8 is an enlarged front elevational view, similar to FIGURES 1 and 3, of another modification of the flexible comb shown in FIGURE 3, showing a latching extension socket projecting outward beyond the outer vertical leg of the right-hand end tooth of the comb.

FIGURE 9 is an enlarged cross-section, similar to FIGURE 7, through the vertical legs of the right-hand end teeth of the modified flexible comb shown in FIGURE 8, and the latching extension socket forming a latching loop, similar to that shown in FIGURE 4, the section being taken on the line 99, FIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is an enlarged right-hand side elevational view, similar to FIGURE 3, of the modified flexible comb shown in FIGURE 8, showing the relation between the modified latching extension socket and the right-hand end tooth of the comb.

FIGURE 11 is an enlarged plan view, similar to FIG- URE 2, of the latching socket portion of the flexible comb shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, showing the substantially vertical legs of one of the intermediate left-hand teeth of the flexible comb shown in FIGURES 1 and 2, wrapped around the hair and fitted through the loop of the latching socket shown in FIGURES 1, 3 and 4, to retain the flexible comb in the latched position.

FIGURE 12 represents an enlarged front elevational view of the flexible comb shown in FIGURE 1, in the latching position, with one of the intermediate teeth, located adjacent the left-hand end tooth of the comb, Wrapped around an area to be gripped, in the manner shown in FIGURE 2, with the substantially vertical legs of the left-hand end tooth fitted through the latching socket loop shown in FIGURES 1 and 3.

FIGURE 13 is an enlarged partial plan view and partial cross-section through the latching socket and the latching portion of the flexible comb shown in FIGURE 12, with the substantially vertical legs of one of the intermediate teeth at the left-hand side of the comb, shown in FIG- URE l, fitted through the loop of the latching socket at the right-hand end of the comb, the section being taken on the line 13-13, FIGURE 12.

FIGURE 14 represents an enlarged front elevational view, similar to FIGURE 12, of the modified flexible comb shown in FIGURE 8, with the vertical legs of one of the intermediate teeth located adjacent the left-hand end of the flexible comb, inserted through the loop in the latching socket of the comb, to retain the comb in the latched position in the same manner as those shown in FIGURES 2 and 13.

FIGURE 15 is an enlarged partial plan view and partial cross-section, similar to FIGURE 13, through the modifled flexible comb shown in FIGURE 14, showing the substantially vertical legs of one of the intermediate teeth located adjacent the left-hand end of the comb, fitted through the loop through the latching socket to retain the flexible comb in the latching position shown in FIG- URE 14, the section being taken on the line 1515, FIGURE 14.

FIGURE 16 is an enlarged vertical section through the latched flexible comb shown in FIGURES 14 and 15, showing the latched intermediate tooth of the flexible comb fitted through the loop of the latching socket, the section being taken on the line t6-16, FIGURE 14.

It will be understood that the following description of the construction and the method of fitting, latching, operation and utilization of the flexible comb with integral latch, is intended as explanatory of the invention and not restrictive thereof.

In the drawings, the same reference numerals designate the same parts through the various views, except where otherwise indicated.

One embodiment of the flexible comb shown in FIG- URES 1, 2 and 3, which is molded or otherwise fabricated of a plastic material, comprises a plurality of intermediate teeth 15, 15a with an end tooth 16, 17 located at each end of the comb.

The number of intermediate teeth 15, 15a, varies with the overall length of the comb, which may range from approximately two inches to eight or more inches, depending upon the purpose for which the comb is to be used and the maximum circumference of the pony tail or other type of hair grouping, around which it is to be wrapped. All of the intermediate teeth 15, 15a are constructed in substantially the same manner regardless of the overall length of the comb, and the number of intermediate teeth incorporated therein.

Each of the intermediate teeth comprises a pair of substantially vertical legs 13, 19, each of which is of substantially circular or oval cross-section, the lower end of each pair of legs being merged into a tapered tip 21, 21a, of substantially triangular cross-section in the plane shown in FIGURE 1, with a double fillet of tapered arenate contour located at the junction between the inner edge of each leg and the tip of the tooth, the extreme lower end of each of the tips being tapered in the plane perpendicular to the plane of FIGURE 1, is shown in FIGURE 5, so that the lower end is of substantially frusto-conical form, the extreme lower end of each tip being rounded in both planes into a substantially spherical segmental tip section.

The upper end of one vertical leg 19 of each intermediate tooth and the adjacent vertical leg 12 a of the adjoining intermediate tooth are joined by a substantially U- shaped head section 22, 22a, the cross-section of each U-shaped head section in the plane perpendicular to that of the face of the comb being substantially circular, the cross-section of each of the legs 18, 19 of the intermediate teeth and that of the U-shaped head section 22, 22a being substantially uniform.

The U-shaped head sections integral with pairs of legs 18, 19 of adjoining intermediate teeth provide a high degree of flexibility, both in the plane of the comb shown in FIGURE 1, and in the plane perpendicular thereto, so that each of the vertical legs 13, 19 of each tooth, may be flexed independently, between the junction with the U-shaped head section 22 and the junction with the tip 21 of the tooth, the head sections and the tips being integral with alternate teeth, except for the end teeth 16, 17, the detailed construction of which is hereinafter described in greater detail.

The high degree of flexibility of the teeth and head sections enables the comb to be wrapped around a pony tail or another cluster of hair into a loop of substantially circular, oval or other suitable cross-sectional contour, a portion of which is shown in the plan view, FIGURE 2.

The left-hand end tooth 16 of the comb is formed of a pair of substantially vertical legs 24, 25, the lower ends of which are merged into a tapered integral tip 26, the form and cross-sectional contour of which, both in the plane of FIGURE 1, and in the plane perpendicular thereto, is substantially the same as that of the intermediate teeth 15, a shown in FIGURES 1 and 3.

In order to provide a higher degree of rigidity of the end teeth 16, 17 of the comb, a relatively continuous head section 27, in the form of two integral and connected partial outer curves connect the two vertical legs 24, of the left-hand end tooth and the adjacent vertical leg 18 of the first intermediate tooth 15, as shown in FIG- URE 1.

Thus, while the left-hand end tooth 16 is more rigid than the intermediate teeth 15, 15a, the left-hand leg 18 of the first intermediate tooth 15 may be flexed at both ends thereof, in substantially the same manner as those of the other intermediate teeth 15, 15a, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 3.

In the comb embodiment shown in FIGURES l and 3, the construction of the right-hand end tooth 17 difi'ers markedly from that of the left-hand end tooth 16.

The outer leg 28, of the right-hand end tooth 17 of the comb configuration shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, is substantially the same as that of the left-hand end tooth 16, except that the inner or left-hand leg 29 of the righthand end tooth is considerably shorter than the outer leg 30, which is integral with the adjacent leg 19 of the adjoining intermediate tooth, the ledge being located a considerable distance below the head of the comb to allow a space for a latching socket 31, which is shown in FIGURES 4 and 5, the detailed construction and purpose of the latching socket being hereinafter described in greater detail. The ledge 15% is connected to the upper end of the inner leg 29 of the right-hand end tooth by a section of arcuate cross-section which is approximately one-half the U-shaped head section 22, connecting pairs of legs of adjoining intermediate teeth 15, 15a.

The upper end of the right-hand leg 28 of the righthand end tooth I7, and the right-hand leg 1% of the adjoining intermediate tooth 15a are connected by a long cross-bar 32, which is similar to the head section 27 of the left-hand end tooth, except that there is a long gap between the legs 19:: and 28 due to the short left-hand leg 29 of the right-hand end tooth 17. The cross-sectional contour of the cross-bar 32 is substantially the same as that of the U-shaped head sections 22, 22a, and that of the legs of the intermediate and end teeth.

The lower end of the legs 28, 29 of the right-hand end tooth are blended into a tapered tip 33, which is substantially the same as those of the intermediate teeth, fillet 3 1 of dual arcuate contour and increasing width from the lower end thereof, at the junction of the inner edges of the legs 28, 29 of the teeth, to an increased width at the point at which each fillet section blends with the inner edge of the adjacent leg 28, 29, being formed at the junction between the inner edges of the legs and the tip 33.

The socket 31 shown in FIGURES 3, 4 and 5 comprises an outer wall 35, which is substantially parallel 6 to the plane of the legs 28, 29 of the right-hand end tooth 17, and a pair of side walls 36, 36a integral with the outer wall, the side walls 36, 36a of the socket being integral with the adjoining legs 19, 28 of the right-hand end tooth 17 and the adjacent intermediate tooth 15a, respectively.

The height of the socket walls 35, 36 shown in FIG- URES 3 and 4, is made large enough to provide a positive grip on the legs of the tooth inserted therethrough. The upper edge 37 of the socket walls is located below the fillet connecting the head section 32 of the right-hand end tooth, and one of the intermediate teeth 15a, with the legs of the corresponding comb tooth, so that the selected tooth can be inserted through the latch socket to its full depth, as shown in FIGURE 13. In the construction shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the lower edge of the socket walls is located slightly above the ledge at the upper end of the inner leg 29 of the right-hand end tooth 17, to avoid any interference in molding the socket of the comb, the height of the Walls of the socket may however be increased or decreased, the position of the ledge 34 relative to the bottom of the socket, being correspondingly varied, so that the relative arrangement is substantially the same as that shown in FIGURES 1 and 3.

The walls of the socket 31 form a clear latching slot 38 of substantially rectangular cross-section, with fillets at the junction between the side walls and the outer wall 35 thereof. The length of the rectangular latching slot 38 is substantially equal to, or somewhat greater than the overall distance across the legs 24, 25 of the lefthand end tooth 16, or one of the intermediate teeth 15, 15a, the width of the slot 3% being slightly greater than the thickness of the legs 24-, 25 of the left-hand end tooth 16 or of the intermediate teeth of the comb, thus enabling one of the intermediate teeth 15, 15a, or the left-hand end tooth 16 of the comb to be inserted through the slot 38 through the socket, into one of the latching positions shown in FIGURES 2, 12 and 13.

In the latching position shown in FIGURE 12, the legs 24, 25 of the left-hand end tooth 16, or of one of the intermediate teeth 15, 15a of the comb are fitted through the socket into the position shown in FIGURE 12, the head section 27 of the left-hand end leg, or the U-shaped head sections connecting the legs of the adjacent pairs of intermediate teeth of the comb limiting the movement of the tooth through the socket 31, so that the tip of the tooth fitted through the socket is in substantial alignment with the tips of the right-hand end and intermediate teeth of the comb, as shown in FIGURE 12.

Due to the high degree of flexibility of the comb structure, the upper portion of the legs 18, 19 of the intermediate teeth are spread to some extent, thus providing a greater width across the legs at the upper end thereof than at the junction of the legs with the tip of the tooth, so that in the latching relation shown in FIGURES 11 and 13, the legs 18, 19 of the tooth in the latching position press outward against the side walls of the slot of the socket 31, thereby positively gripping the legs of the tooth within the socket and preventing the accidental loosening thereof, when worn in or around the hair.

As either the left-hand end tooth 16, or one of the intermediate teeth 15, 15a located near the: left-hand end tooth, may be fitted through the socket to latch the comb with equal facility, the perimeter, or circumference of the inner surface of the comb in the wrapping position shown in FIGURE 2, may be adjusted to any required length to fit any reasonable size of pony tail, or other grouping of hair, thus enabling essentially the same type of comb to be used on a wide variety of applications, in a wide range of sizes.

FIGURES 6 and 7 show a modification of the righthand end tooth of the comb shown in FIGURES 1 and 3.

In this construction, the right-hand or outer leg 39 of the end tooth 40, is substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 3.

The inner leg 41 of the right-hand end tooth of the comb is continued upward until it joins a continuous head section 42, which is integral with the legs 39 and 41 of the end tooth, and also extends across the righthand leg 19a of the intermediate tooth a adjoining it, thus stiffening the end tooth 4t and providing a more rigid support for the modified type of socket 43 shown in FIGURES 6 and 7.

The lower end of the legs 39, 41 of the right-hand end tooth 49, are blended into a tapered tip, which is substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 3.

While the right-hand end tooth shown in FIGURE 6, is stiffened to some extent over that shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the gap between the adjoining legs 18a, 19a of the intermediate tooth 15a and of that of the adjacent right-hand end tooth 4%? enable the end tooth 4th to be flexed to a great enough extent to facilitate the angular movement of the socket to some degree, to receive the left-hand end tooth, or one of the intermediate teeth of the comb in the latching position shown in FIGURES 2 and 11, even though the flexible comb may be distorted to some extent in wrapping it around the pony tail or other hair grouping or cluster.

As shown in FIGURE 7, the size and contour of the socket is substantially the same as that shown in FIG- URES l, 3 and 4. The socket is formed by an outer wall 44, the location of which, relative to the legs of the end tooth, is substantially the same as that shown in FIGURES 3 and 4, the inner edges of the side walls 45, a, which are integral with the outer wall of the socket, being located in substantial alignment with the inner edges of the outer leg of the right-hand end tooth 4t), and the right-hand leg 1% of the intermediate tooth 15a, located adjacent the right-hand end tooth. The outer edges of the side walls of the socket are blended into the adjacent legs of the teeth, a fillet being formed between the outer edge of each side wall and the adjacent leg of the tooth, as shown in FIGURE 7, thus smoothly blending the socket walls 44, 45 into the legs of the teeth.

The length of the latching slot 46 in the socket shown in FIGURE 7, is substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 4, the width of the slot also being substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 4.

The height of the socket walls shown in FIGURE 6, is substantially the same as those shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the upper edge of the socket walls being located in substantially the same position relative to the head section of the comb, as that shown in FIGURE 3.

As the legs 39, 41 of the right-hand end tooth 40 are continuous, from the head section to the tip of the tooth, the height of the socket walls may be substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 3, as shown in FIGURE 7, or the height of the socket walls may be increased to any extent necessary to provide a greater gripping action against the legs of the tooth fitted thereto, without altering the construction of the legs of the right-hand end tooth 40 in any manner.

In the latching position of the modified type of comb, shown in FIGURE 11, which is substantially the same as that shown in FIGURES l2 and 13, the legs of the left-hand end tooth, or of any one of the intermediate teeth located near the left-hand end tooth, are fitted through the socket to substantially the position shown in FIGURE 11. The tapered tip 26 at the lower end of the left-hand end tooth, or the mating tip at the lower end of one of the intermediate teeth 15, facilitates the insertion of the tooth through the socket, thereby enabling the latching tooth to be moved to the latching position shown in FIGURE 11, even though the teeth of the comb are not visible to the wearer at the time of latching.

In another modification of the right-hand end tooth 47 construction, shown in FIGURE 8, the legs 48, 49 of the right-hand end tooth are substantially the same as those shown in FIGURES 6 and 7, the legs extending over substantially the entire height of the comb.

The legs extend upward and join a continuous integral head section 50, which is substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 6, the head section extending across the legs 48, 49 of the right-hand end tooth 4-7, and continuing across the right-hand leg 19a of the adjoining intermediate tooth, in substantially the same manner as that shown in FIGURE 7.

While the right-hand end tooth 47 is somewhat stiffer than that shown in FIGURES l and 3, the gap between the adjoining legs 18a, 1% of the intermediate tooth 15a and the adjoining end tooth 47, enable the right-hand end tooth to be fiexed to a great enough extent to allow the socket to be angularly displaced to some degree to receive the left-hand end tooth, or one of the intermediate teeth 15, 15a, while it is moved into the latching position, shown in FIGURE 14.

The lower end of the legs 48, 49 of the right-hand end tooth are blended into a tapered tip in substantially the same manner as that shown in FIGURE 7.

The socket, the size and contour of which is similar to that shown in FIGURE 7, extends outward beyond the right-hand leg 49 of the right-hand end tooth of the flexible comb shown in FIGURES 8 and 9.

The outer wall 52 of the socket, which is parallel to the axis of the legs of the right-hand end tooth, extends outward beyond the right-hand leg 49 thereof. The lefthand side wall 53, the interior edge of which is located in substantial alignment with the outer edge of the righthand leg 49 of the right-hand end tooth, is integral with the outer wall 52 of the socket and the leg 49 or" the righthand end tooth. The right-hand side wall 54, which is located a distance beyond the left-hand side wall substantially equal to the length of the slot in the socket, shown in FIGURE 9, is completely free of the legs of the righthand end tooth 47.

The forward wall 55 of the socket, which is integral with the forward edge of the side walls 54, 53 of the socket, is substantially parallel to the outer or rear wall 52 thereof. The edge of the forward wall of the socket, which forms the forward edge of the slot through the socket, is located in substantial alignment with the rear edge of the legs 48, 49 of the right-hand end tooth of the comb in a position substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 7.

The latching slot 56 through the socket, shown in FIG- URE 9, is similar to that shown in FIGURE 7, except that the ends 57 of the slot are of substantially semi-circular cross-sectional contour, the radius of the semi-circular ends being slightly greater than that of the legs 24, 25 of of the left-hand end tooth, or of any of the intermediate teeth which may be fitted thereto.

The overall length of the latching slot 56 is substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 7, the width of the slot also being substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 7, to enable the slot to receive and retain the legs of the left-hand end tooth 16, or of one of the intermediate teeth 15 of the comb, in the latching position, substantially as shown in FIGURES 14 and 15.

The location of the upper edge of the walls of the socket, relative to the top of the head section 5t) of the comb, is substantially the same as that shown in FIG- URE 6, to enable one of the left-hand end or intermediate teeth to be inserted into the latching position shown in FIGURE 14.

The height of the latching socket walls shown in FIG- URE 8, while substantially the same as that shown in FIGURES 3 and 6, may be increased to any extent necessary in order to obtain a firmer grip on one of the teeth latched located therein without affecting the righthand end tooth in any manner, as the socket extends entirely beyond the right-hand edge of the right-hand end tooth 47.

In the latching position of the comb shown in FIG- URE 8, as shown in FIGURE 14, the legs of one of the intermediate teeth 15, located near the left-hand end tooth, are fitted through the slot 56 of the socket in substantially the same manner as that shown in FIGURES 12 and 13. The downward movement of the latching legs 13, 19 of the tooth is limited by the position of the head section 27 of the left-hand end tooth, or one of the adjacent intermediate teeth 15, a, which approaches, or engages the upper edge of the walls of the socket, thereby limiting the downward movement of the tooth in the latching position.

The tapered tip 21 at the lower end of the latching tooth 15, is aligned with the tip 33a, integral with the bottom of the right-hand end tooth 47, as shown in FIG- URE 16.

As the slot 56 through the socket is completely clear of the outer edge of the right-hand end tooth 4'7, the lefthand end tooth 16, or one of the intermediate teeth 15, 15a may be inserted into the latching position shown in FIGURE 14, even though there may be considerable variation between the angular position of the latching tooth and the slot 56 through the socket, when the latching movement is started, the latching tooth being manually moved into the relative position shown in FIGURES l4 and 16. The extending socket enables the wearer to insert the latching tooth into the slot 56 through the socket even though the comb cannot be seen by the wearer at the time of latching.

Instead of both legs of the intermediate tooth, located adjacent the right-hand end tooth being straight and parallel over their entire height, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the upper portion of the right-hand leg 19a, located adjacent the inner leg 29 of the end tooth, may be offset slightly leftward, from the ledge connecting the leg of the intermediate tooth with the inner leg 29 of the end tooth to the head section connecting the offset leg of the intermediate tooth, with the outer leg 28 of the end tooth. The offset section of the right-hand leg of the intermediate tooth would be substantially parallel to the mating leg 18, and to the lower section 60' of the righthand leg, relative to which it is offset, the lower section being in substantially the same position as the leg 19a, shown in FIGURES l and 3.

The offset section of the leg, the lower section thereof, and the ledge 3% connecting the lower section of the right-hand leg with the inner leg 29 of the end tooth would be connected by a connecting section of arcuate contour, a fillet being formed between the lower section of the leg and the arcuate connecting section, and another fillet between the ledge 3tla and the offset upper section. The thickness of the connecting section in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the comb would be substantially the same as that of the legs 13 and 29 respectively.

The gap between the left-hand leg of the intermediate tooth and the offset upper section of the mating leg would be reduced by the extent of the offset.

Where the offset section of the leg is offset far enough leftward, so that it abuts the left-hand leg 18 of the intermediate tooth, a composite tooth section of parallelfaced cross-section with semicircular ends would be formed, the width of the composite section being approximately double the diameter of one leg of a tooth, and the thickness thereof substantially the same as the diameter of a tooth leg.

The lower section of the right-hand tooth, which remains in substantially the position shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, and the mating leg 18 of the intermediate tooth are blended into a tapered tip 21, in the same manner as those shown in FIGURES 1 and 3.

While the left-hand side wall 36 of the socket would be moved slightly leftward in conformity with the offset position of the upper section of the leg, the spacing between the side walls 36, 36a of the latching socket would remain substantially the same as those shown in FIG- URES 3 and 4, as the overall width across the legs 24, 25 of the left-hand end leg, or across the legs 13, 19 of the intermediate tooth 15, which is fitted to the slot through the socket, in substantially the same manner as 1h those shown in FIGURES 2, 11 and 12, would be unaffected.

Where the spacing between the offset section of the right-hand leg of the intermediate tooth, and the outer leg 28 of the end tooth 17 is greater than that shown in FIGURE 3, the portions of the side walls 36, 36a of the socket, which connect to and are integral with the offset leg section and the outer leg 28 respectively, as shown in FIGURE 4, would be angularly' offset slightly to compensate for the increased leg spacing, the rear portion of the side walls 36 and 36a of the latching socket, which are integral with the outer wall 35 thereof being spaced substantially the same as those shown in FIGURE 4, this portion of the side walls being substantially perpendicular to the outer wall 35 of the socket in the same manner as those shown in FIGURE 4.

The end head section which is integral with, and con nects the offset upper section of the leg of the intermediate tooth with the outer leg of the end tooth would be substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 3, assuming the same relation between the socket wide walls 36, 36a and the offset section of the right-hand leg of the intermediate tooth and the outer leg of the end tooth 17, as that shown in FIGURE 4.

As the length of the slot 38 though the socket would remain substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 4, unless the overall distance across the legs 18, 15* of the intermediate tooth where altered, the socket 311 including the outer wall 35 and the side walls 36, 36:: thereof would remain substantially as shown in FIGURE 4.

In the assembled position, which would be substantially the same as that shown in FIGURES 2 and 11, the legs 24, 25 of the left-hand end tooth or the legs 18, 19 of an intermediate tooth, would be fitted through the slot through the socket in substantially the same relative positions as those shown in FIGURES 12 and 13, the length of the slot being substantially the same as that shown in FIGURE 4, so that the side walls 36, 36a of the socket, or at least the parallel portion thereof located adjacent the outer wall, would grip the legs of a tooth inserted therethrough in the same manner as those shown in FIGURES 2,11,12 and 13.

The left-hand end tooth 16 and the intermediate teeth 15', 15a of the comb shown in FIGURES 6 and 8, are substantially the same as those shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, the only change being in the right-hand end tooth and the socket integral therewith.

The comb in the latched position shown schematically in FIGURE 15, while shown substantially straight, is actually located in an arcuate position substantially the same as those shown in FIGURES 2 and 11, as the comb teeth and the head sections thereof are wrapped around a pony tail or cluster of hair of oval or other suitable con-tour, in substantially the relation shown in FIG- URE 2, before the latching tooth of the comb is inserted into the latching position shown in FIGURE 15.

The socket while shown at the right-hand side of the comb, may be moved to the left-hand side thereof with equal facility, the construction of each of the sockets 31, 43, shown in FIGURES 3, 6 and 8, and their relation to the corresponding end teeth being substantially the same as that shown in FIGURES l, 3 and 6.

The cross-sectional contour of the legs of each of the teeth may be circular, as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4, or of oval, or regular polygonal cross-sectional contour, in substantially the same manner as those shown in FIG- URE 3, the cross-section of the slot through the socket being varied to conform to the cross-section of the legs of the teeth.

The cross-sectional contour of the head sections of the comb may be of U-shaped substantially semi-circular form, as shown in FIGURES 1 and 3, or head sections of any other suitable cross-section may be substituted therefor.

The comb may be made of any suitable length, with l l any desired number of intermediate teeth 15, 1511 located between the end teeth 16, 17.

The form and contour of the flexible U-shaped head sections, connecting adjoining tooth legs may, be as shown in FIGURES 1, 3, 6 and 8, or the cross-sectional contour may be varied to any other desired cross-section provided the legs of the intermediate teeth areallowed to flex in substantially the same manner as those shown in FIG- URES l, 3, 6 and 8.

The comb may be molded of any suitable plastic material, such as nylon, where such a material has the desired strength and elasticity and may be flexed in substantially the manner shown in FIGURES 2 and 11, as hereinbefore described.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the specific details described above and shown in the drawings, and that various modifications are possible in carrying out the features of the invention and the insertion, latching, and the method of utilization thereof, without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A flexible comb of a plastic material, fitted with an integral latch, comprising a plurality of intermediate teeth, each of said intermediate teeth consisting of a pair of substantially parallel legs, blending at their lower end into an integral tapered tip, with a head section of arcuate contour in the plane of the comb, integral with and connecting one extremity of each of a pair of adjacent legs of adjoining intermediate teeth, the legs of the teeth connected by the head sections alternating with these blended into the tapered tips, one end of said comb having an integral end tooth consisting of a pair of substantially parallel legs, including an inner leg and an outer leg, the lower end of said inner and outer legs being blended into a substantially tapered tip, the upper end of the outer leg of the end tooth, and the leg of the intermediate tooth located adjacent the inner leg of the end tooth, having an end head section integral therewith, the end head section straddling the inner leg of the end tooth, and a latching socket located substantially parallel to the plane of the comb, projecting beyond the outer leg of the adjacent end tooth of the comb, the latching socket being integral with the adjacent outer leg of the end tooth of the comb.

2. A flexible comb fitted with an integral latch, as in claim 1, in which the latching socket consists of a rear wall located substantially parallel to the plane of the comb, and spacedly located relative to the legs of the end tooth adjacent the socket, a forward wall substantially parallel to and spacedly located relative to the rear wall, and a pair of side walls integral with the extremities of the forward and rear walls, one of said side walls and the forward wall of the latching socket being integral with and projecting beyond the outer leg of the adjacent end tooth of the comb.

3. A flexible comb with integral latching means, as in claim 1, in which the inner leg of the end tooth extends to and is integral with the end head section of the comb, the latching socket consisting of a forward wall extending beyond and integral with the outer leg of the end tooth adjacent the socket, said forward wall being substantially parallel to the plane of the comb, a pair of side walls integral with the extremities of the forward wall and sub- 12 stantially perpendicular to the forward wall, and a rear Wall substantially parallel to and spacedly located relative to the forward wall, the rear wall being integral with the extremities of the side walls adjacent the rear wall.

4. A flexible comb with integral latching means, as in claim 1, in which the latching socket consists of a forward wall integral with and extending beyond the outer leg of the end tooth adjacent the socket, said forward wall being substantially parallel to the plane of the comb, a pair of side walls integral with extremities of the forward wall and extending outward therefrom, and a rear wall substantially parallel to and spacedly located relative to the forward wall, the rear wall being integral with the extremities of the side walls adjoining the rear wall, said latching socket having a slot therethrough adapted to receive the legs of one of the teeth of the teeth of the comb, the cross-sectional contour of the ends of the slot following substantially the cross-sectional contour of a portion of the legs of the comb teeth, the inner surfaces of the the side walls of the latching socket adajcent the slot being adapted to frictionally retain the legs of a comb tooth inserted through the slot.

5. A flexible comb, as in claim 1, in which the latching socket of the comb has a slot therethrough to receive the legs of the teeth of the comb, the ends of the slot following substantially the cross-sectional contour of a portion of the legs of the teeth, the length of the slot through the socket being substantially equal to the distance across the legs of one of the comb teeth, the width of the slot being slightly greater than the thickness of the legs of the comb teeth.

6. A flexible comb, as in claim 1, in which the cross- .sectional contour of each of the legs of the teeth is substantially circular, the head section connecting the ends of adjacent legs of adjoining teeth being of U shaped cross-section in the plane through the axes of the comb teeth, the cross-section through the head section in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane through the comb teeth, following substantially the cross-sectional contour of the legs of the comb teeth.

'7. A flexible comb, as in claim 1, in which the latching socket consists of an outer wall substantially parallel to the axes of the comb teeth in one plane thereof, and spacedly located relative to said comb teeth, and a pair of side walls integral with the extremities of the outer wall and substantially perpendicular thereto the latching socket having a slot therethrough to receive the legs of one of the teeth of the comb,, the length of the slot through the latching socket being substantially equal to the distance across the legs of one of the comb teeth, the width of the slot being slightly greater than the thickness of the legs of the comb teeth.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS D. 185,200 5/59 Goodman 868 2,378,872 6/45 Stone 13244 2,595,564- 5/52 Budd 132-107 2,617,413 11/52 Belknap 24206 X 2,669,239 2/54 Smith 132--48 RICHARD A. GAUDET, Primary Examiner.

LAVERNE D. GEI'GER, Examiner. 

1. A FLEXIBLE COMB OF A PLASTIC MATERIAL, FITTED WITH AN INTEGRAL LATCH, COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF INTERMEDIATE TEETH, EACH OF SAID INTERMEDIATE TEETH CONSISTING OF A PAIR OF SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL LEGS, BLENDING AT THEIR LOWER END INTO AN INTEGRAL TAPERED TIP, WITH A HEAD SECTION OF ARCUATE CONTOUR IN THE PLANE OF THE COMB, INTEGRAL WITH AND CONNECTING ONE EXTREMITY OF EACH OF A PAIR OF ADJACENT LEGS OF ADJOINING INTERMEDIATE TEETH, THE LEGS OF THE TEETH CONNECTED BY THE HEAD SECTIONS ALTERNATING WITH THESE BLENDED INTO THE TAPERED TIPS, ONE END OF SAID COMB HAVING AN INTEGRAL END TOOTH CONSISTING OF A PAIR OF SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL LEGS, INCLUDING AN INNER LEG AND AN OUTER LEG, THE LOWER END OF SAID INNER AND OUTER LEGS BEING BLENDED INTO A SUBSTANTIALLY TAPERED TIP, THE UPPER END OF THE OUTER LEG OF THE END TOOTH, AND THE LEG OF THE INTERMEDIATE TOOTH LOCATED ADJACENT THE INNER LEG OF THE END TOOTH, 